Epidermal cysts in Cows (Bovis) | Vetlexicon
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Epidermal cysts

ISSN 2398-2993

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Introduction

  • Uncommon, single or multiple lesions of the epidermis causing dermal swellings which may become inflamed.
  • Cause: trauma with genetic predisposition.
  • Signs: skin nodules +/- inflammation.
  • Diagnosis: histopathology.
  • Treatment: surgical resection if necessary or practical.
  • Prognosis: good.

Cost considerations

  • Cysts may be of economic significance, as they affect hide quality.

Special risks

  • Associated with diagnostic procedures (aspiration biopsy or impression smear, surgical excision).

Pathogenesis

Etiology

  • Benign non-neoplastic lesions of skin with an epithelial wall and keratinaceous contents.
  • Probably the result of degenerative changes or traumatic displacement of epidermal fragments.
  • May be congenital or acquired.
  • May be solitary or multiple.
  • Cysts in cattle are most commonly epidermoid ie arise from epidermis without adnexal structures.

Pathophysiology

  • Cystic dilatation subsequent to accumulation of keratin within the skin.
  • There is no breed, sex or age predisposition for solitary cysts.
  • If lesions traumatized then may rupture leading to foreign body reaction in dermis.

Timecourse

  • Weeks to months.

Diagnosis

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Treatment

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Prevention

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Outcomes

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Further Reading

Publications

Refereed Papers

Other sources of information

  • Scott D W (1988) Large Animal Dermatology. W B Saunders.
  • Williams and Memon (1985) Epidermal inclusion cysts in a cow. J Am Vet Med Assoc. 187 (5) 504-505 National Library of Medicine